Scroll through our newsletter for highlights of the ASDF's spring programming and events funded through your generosity. |
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Teacher Innovation Grant Reception |
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On Monday, June 6 the ASD Foundation hosted the Teacher Innovation Grant (TIG) Reception. The 24 educators who received grants in 2021-22 and 31 educators who received grants in 2019-20 were recognized for their work. Five teachers gave "TIG Talks" to briefly explain the need for and impact of their projects:
- Ms. Jennifer Rarick, Ramos ES, "Elementary Oboists" 2021-22
- Ms. Lindsay Galusha, Dodd ES, "The Sensory Lending Library" 2021-22
- Ms. Carolyn Colon and Ms. Dawn Boyer, Harrison-Morton MS, "Science Boxes for Virtual Students" 2021-22
- Mr. Matthew Roth, Dieruff HS, "Drone Technology" 2019-20
- Ms. Michelle Bruno, William Allen HS, "Digital Preservation of Allen History Part 1" 2019-20; "Digital Preservation of Allen History Part 2" 2021-22
We thank Dr. John Stanford, ASD Superintendent, and Mr. Daniel Bosket, ASDF President, for sharing comments acknowledging all educators doing innovative work to keep students engaged. TIG Committee Chair Allyn-Jane Marks facilitated the event and Dr. Dennis Blankowitsch, past TIG Committee Co-Chair, provided concluding comments. Senator Pat Browne's office provided each teacher with a certificate of recognition, presented by Altagracia Mercado, Urban Affairs Liaison and TIG Committee Member.
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1st Endowed Teacher Innovation Grant |
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Mrs. Marguerite Finizzi TIG Endowment |
"A short fireball of enthusiasm and energy with a hearty, bawdy laugh, Mrs. Finizzi catered to her students' personal as well as educational needs."
(From "Tribute to a Teacher" by Susan Snyder, 11/10/96, The Morning Call)
Mrs. Finizzi passed away in 1996 but remains in the heart and mind of Mr. William Choi, WAHS Class of 1992. In honor of the 25th anniversary of Mrs. Finizzi's death, Mr. Choi, who served on The Canary and Inklings as Editor-in-Chief, wanted to do something for teachers. He created the Foundation's first Endowed TIG.
Beginning in Fall 2022 and every year after, the Mrs. Finizzi Teacher Innovation Grant (TIG) will be awarded to an Allentown School District educator for initiatives in English literature and journalism, her academic loves. In years where those specific initiatives are absent, the award can be expanded to broader areas of humanities: history, philosophy, and art history.
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Contribute to the 2022-23 Teacher Innovation Grants!
Gifts of $1200 or more will fund a TIG in your name.
Gifts received by October 1 will be publicized in our TIG outreach throughout the year.
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Science Fair - June 1-3, 2022 |
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ASDS Science Fair
The ASD Science Fair was held June 1-3 with over 280 projects submitted by middle and high school students. There were over 880 4th and 5th grade students who visited the event and participated in hands-on activities led by William Allen High School students. Read more about the awards! The Foundation supports the science fair through funding from The Harry C. Trexler Trust and Dr. Frank and Yvonne Schweighardt.
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This year the Dieruff Husky Caravan and the William Allen Canary Caravan delivered scholarships to students at their homes and in school, while Building 21 awarded theirs at graduation. Many thanks to the guidance departments at all three high schools and the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI) for assisting with the scholarship awards. Additional thanks to the many donors who contribute each year to make these awards possible and those who have set up endowments.
High School Juniors: visit your guidance office to find out how to apply for spring 2023!
The William Allen High School Class of 1970 is currently raising funds to create an endowed scholarship as part of their (delayed) 50th Class Reunion. Questions? Contact Christopher Yeager via email or by phone at 610-730-3923 . Contribute online with "Class of 1970 Scholarship" in the notes or mail a check to:
ASD Foundation, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown, PA 18102 Note: Class of 1970 Scholarship
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EITC Contributions Sustain STEM, Performing and Visual Arts and Civic Education Programs in Allentown |
Truist bank representatives Rick Kern and Art Dorn joined the Foundation Board Retreat to talk about our partnership that includes Truist's ongoing support of our High Notes Gala, Endowed Scholarships and EITC programs.
Our 2021-2022 Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) partners are: American Bank; Embassy Bank; Fulton Bank, N.A.; Morey Nee Buck & Oswald; PPL Services Corp.; Truist; UGI Utilities; Univest; Vistacom; and Weis Markets, Inc.
We are grateful for this support!
Last week the state legislature approved an additional $7 million for Educational Improvement Organizations. We would love to partner with additional approved companies or SPEs! Please contact Julie Ambrose to discuss.
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Raub Middle School - Allentown DRIVE! Champions |
The Allentown Drive! baseball program resumed this spring with enthusiastic participation from ASD middle school students.
The championship playoff and final games were played at Coca Cola Park where families and friends could cheer on the teams - even seeing their names on the big screens!
In the Playoff Game on June 8 South Mountain Middle School beat Trexler 13-9. In the Championship Game and on June 10 the undefeated Raub Ravens beat SMMS by a score of 12 - 2. Congratulations!
The ASD Foundation receives funding to support the Allentown DRIVE! baseball program from the Justin Sheftel Memorial Fund.
The Justin Sheftel Memorial Fund also provides their own scholarships to students in Allentown.
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On June 2, 2022 the Foundation Board met for its annual retreat held at Muhlenberg College.
Board action included the election of Board Directors Emeritus and new Board Members, as well as the election of officers for the 2022-23 year.
2022-2023 Board Officers:
Daniel Bosket, DHS '71, President
Tonya Harris, WAHS '94, Vice President
Ibi Balog, Treasurer
Maria Tjeltveit, WAHS P'16 and P'19, Secretary
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